U.S. patent application number 16/448554 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for container for housing artwork.
This patent application is currently assigned to CRATEIGHT LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is CRATEIGHT LIMITED. Invention is credited to Peter Antony FARRAR, Anthony Henry Joseph FRASER, John HEIN, Andrew Nikita Cunynghame STRAMENTOV.
Application Number | 20190322445 16/448554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58360440 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190322445/US20190322445A1-20191024-D00010.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190322445 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FARRAR; Peter Antony ; et
al. |
October 24, 2019 |
CONTAINER FOR HOUSING ARTWORK
Abstract
A container for housing an artwork during transportation or
storage, the container comprising four side parts and four corner
parts for connecting the side parts to form a substantially
rectangular frame; a substantially rectangular lid part and a
substantially rectangular mounting panel, each of the side parts
having a first recess extending along its length for receiving a
respective edge of the lid part and a second recess extending along
its length for receiving a respective edge of the mounting panel; a
first resilient member for locating around the perimeter of the lid
part between the lid part and the substantially rectangular frame;
a second resilient member for locating around the perimeter of the
mounting panel between the mounting panel and the substantially
rectangular frame so as to act as a shock absorber between the
mounting panel and the substantially rectangular frame; and
securing means for securing the lid part in a closed position
relative to the substantially rectangular frame.
Inventors: |
FARRAR; Peter Antony;
(Leeds, GB) ; HEIN; John; (Leeds, GB) ;
STRAMENTOV; Andrew Nikita Cunynghame; (London, GB) ;
FRASER; Anthony Henry Joseph; (Rutland, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CRATEIGHT LIMITED |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
CRATEIGHT LIMITED
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
58360440 |
Appl. No.: |
16/448554 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/GB2017/053434 |
Nov 15, 2017 |
|
|
|
16448554 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/083 20130101;
B65D 81/05 20130101; B65D 21/0201 20130101; B65D 85/30
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/30 20060101
B65D085/30; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 81/05 20060101
B65D081/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2016 |
GB |
1622051.9 |
Claims
1. A container for housing an artwork during transportation or
storage, the container comprising: four side parts and four corner
parts for connecting the side parts to form a substantially
rectangular frame; a substantially rectangular lid part and a
substantially rectangular mounting panel, each of the side parts
having a first recess extending along its length for receiving a
respective edge of the lid part and a second recess extending along
its length for receiving a respective edge of the mounting panel; a
first resilient member for locating around the perimeter of the lid
part between the lid part and the substantially rectangular frame;
a second resilient member for locating around the perimeter of the
mounting panel between the mounting panel and the substantially
rectangular frame so as to act as a shock absorber between the
mounting panel and the substantially rectangular frame; and
securing means for securing the lid part in a closed position
relative to the substantially rectangular frame.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1 comprising a substantially
rectangular base part, each of the side parts having a third recess
extending along its length for receiving a respective edge of the
base part, and a third resilient member for locating around the
perimeter of the base part between the base part and the
substantially rectangular frame.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the second resilient
member is adapted to permit movement of the mounting panel relative
to the substantially rectangular frame in three dimensions so as to
substantially isolate the mounting panel from shock forces
experienced by the container.
4. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which each corner part is
securable to the ends of adjacent side parts by fasteners.
5. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which each corner part is
integrally formed with a side part and is securable to the end of
an adjacent side part by fasteners.
6. A container as claimed in claim 5 in which the substantially
rectangular frame comprises two side parts that have an integrally
formed corner part.
7.-8. (canceled)
9. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which said securing means
comprises one or more latches mounted on a side member and
engageable with a major face of the lid part.
10. (canceled)
11. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the side parts are
shaped to provide channels for receiving straps encircling the
container, preferably with at least one strap around the length of
the container and at least one strap around the width of the
container.
12. A container as claimed in claim 11 in which one or more of the
securing means is located in a channel so, in use, a strap located
within the channel lies over the securing means.
13. A container as claimed claim 1 in which the side parts are
shaped so that a plurality of similar size containers can be
stacked together.
14. A container as claimed in claim 13 in which the corner parts
and/or the side parts are shaped so that adjacent containers in a
stack of containers interlock with each other.
15. A container as claimed in claim 13 in which at least some of
the corner parts are shaped, or have corner extensions fitted
thereto, so as to provide feet on which the container can be stood
and/or a channel beneath a stack of similar size containers for
receiving prongs of a lifting machine.
16. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the mounting panel
is provided with a plurality of retention members to which
fastening devices secured to an artwork can be releasably
secured.
17. A container as claimed in claim 16 in which the retention
members are provided by an array of parallel slots or
apertures.
18. A container as claimed in claim 17 in which the retention
members are arranged so that artworks of a variety of sizes or
shapes can be secured in a selected position on the mounting panel
spaced from the side parts of the container.
19.-24. (canceled)
25. A container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
displacement controller mounted between the mounting panel and the
second resilient member at an edge region of the mounting panel;
wherein the displacement controller includes a protrusion that
protrudes away from a major face of the mounting panel and is
configured to be in contact with the second resilient member when
the mounting panel compresses the second resilient member.
26. A container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the displacement
controller is configured such that, when the second resilient
member is in an uncompressed state, the protrusion of the
displacement controller is not in contact with the second resilient
member.
27. A controller as claimed in claim 25, wherein at least the
protrusion of the displacement controller is formed from a material
that is stiffer than the second resilient member.
28. (canceled)
29. A kit of parts for forming a container as claimed in claim
1.
30.-31. (canceled)
32. A method of preparing artwork for storage and/or
transportation, comprising mounting at least one artwork in a
container as claimed claim 1.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International Patent
Application Number PCT/GB2017/053435 filed Nov. 15, 2017, which
claims priority to GB Patent Application Number 1622050.1 filed
Dec. 22, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a container for housing artwork
during transportation and storage.
[0003] There are a number of known ways of packaging artwork for
transportation and storage. These can be broadly be described as
soft packing and hard packing. With soft packing a protective layer
of material (typically tissue paper, polyethene, bubble wrap,
synthetic non-tear wrap material, and card) is wrapped around the
artwork and held in place by adhesive tape.
[0004] There are three main forms of hard packing: a `gallery or
standard` case, a T-frame and a `museum specification` case. A
gallery case is a wooden box which is filled with a shock absorbing
material e.g. foam or polystyrene, that encases the artwork. In a
T-frame, the artwork is secured to a wooden construction by fixing
brackets attached to the frame or stretcher of the artwork. The
T-frame may have polyethene attached to its surface or may be
encased in polyethene. A museum case is essentially an inner case
within an outer case so providing a double layer of protection. The
artwork is placed in a gallery or standard case and this is then
inserted into another case with a further layer of foam on the
internal surfaces. Alternatively, a T-frame may be housed in the
outer case. The cases typically have additional layers of foam on
the internal surfaces and foil or foam gaskets can be applied to
edges of the case to provide water resistance.
[0005] In another arrangement, the corners of the frame of the
artwork are located in blocks of resilient material which are
positioned on a backing plate of a container and affixed thereto,
eg by hook and loop fasteners. Further blocks of resilient
packaging material are then located over the corners of the
artwork, so the artwork is sandwiched between the blocks and these
further blocks are then held in place by a lid of the
container.
[0006] Such known packaging is usually assembled and constructed by
specialist art packaging and shipping firms and in many cases the
container is effectively custom built for the particular
application. Such packaging can thus be very expensive. Also, as
the artwork may be of very high value, insurance companies have a
significant influence over the manner in which the artwork is
packed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a
container which enables an artwork to be housed in an improved
manner, eg so that the quality of the manner in which the artwork
is housed is less dependent on the skill and expertise of the
people mounting it within a container. In preferred forms of the
apparatus, it enables a high quality container to be provided at
lower cost and/or which can be easily adapted to accommodate
artworks of different sizes and/or can be easily adjusted to hold
an artwork of a different size and so can be re-used.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a container for housing an artwork during transportation
or storage, the container comprising:
[0009] four side parts and four corner parts for connecting the
side parts to form a substantially rectangular frame;
[0010] a substantially rectangular lid part and a substantially
rectangular mounting panel, each of the side parts having a first
recess extending along its length for receiving a respective edge
of the lid part and a second recess extending along its length for
receiving a respective edge of the mounting panel;
[0011] a first resilient member for locating around the perimeter
of the lid part between the lid part and the substantially
rectangular frame;
[0012] a second resilient member for locating around the perimeter
of the mounting panel between the mounting panel and the
substantially rectangular frame so as to act as a shock absorber
between the mounting panel and the substantially rectangular frame;
and
[0013] securing means for securing the lid part in a closed
position relative to the substantially rectangular frame.
[0014] The container preferably also comprises a substantially
rectangular base part, each of the side parts having a third recess
extending along its length for receiving a respective edge of the
base part, and a third resilient member for locating around the
perimeter of the base part between the base part and the
substantially rectangular frame.
[0015] The second resilient member is preferably adapted to permit
movement of the mounting panel relative to the substantially
rectangular frame in three dimensions so as to substantially
isolate the mounting panel from shock forces experienced by the
container.
[0016] Each corner part may be securable to the ends of adjacent
side parts by fasteners, eg by bolts
[0017] Each corner part may be integrally formed with a side part
and be securable to the end of an adjacent side part by fasteners.
Two of the side parts may each have an integrally formed corner
part at each end.
[0018] At least some of the side parts and/or corner parts may have
a recess therein for providing a hand hold to facilitate handling
of the container.
[0019] Said securing means may comprise one or more latches mounted
on a side member and engageable with a major face of the lid
part.
[0020] The side parts are preferably shaped to provide channels for
receiving straps encircling the container, preferably with at least
one strap around the length of the container and at least one strap
around the width of the container.
[0021] One or more of the securing means may be located in a
channel so, in use, a strap located within the channel lies over
the securing means.
[0022] The side parts are preferably shaped so that a plurality of
similar size containers can be stacked together.
[0023] The corner parts and/or the side parts may be shaped so that
adjacent containers in a stack of containers interlock with each
other.
[0024] At least some of the corner parts may be shaped, or have
corner extensions fitted thereto, so as to provide feet on which
the container can be stood and/or a channel beneath a stack of
similar size containers for receiving prongs of a lifting
machine.
[0025] The mounting panel is preferably provided with a plurality
of retention members to which fastening devices secured to an
artwork can be releasably secured. The retention members may be
provided by an array of parallel slots or apertures.
[0026] The retention members are preferably arranged so that
artworks of a variety of sizes or shapes can be secured in a
selected position on the mounting panel spaced from the side parts
of the container.
[0027] The mounting panel may comprise a metal plate mounted on a
composite panel and the metal plate may comprise an aluminium
extrusion. The side parts may be formed of a plastics material and
the corner parts may be formed of metal. And the lid part and base
part (when provided) may comprises a composite panel.
[0028] The first, second and third resilient members may comprise a
resilient rubber or plastic material.
[0029] The invention also provides a kit of parts for forming a
container as described above.
[0030] The kit of parts may comprise side parts of at least two
lengths, L1 and L2, whereby rectangular containers having internal
dimensions of substantially L1.times.L1, L2.times.L2 and
L1.times.L2 can be fabricated.
[0031] The side parts having a length L2 may be formed from two
side parts of length L1 joined end to end by a connector part.
[0032] Other preferred and optional features of the invention will
be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary
claims.
[0033] Reference is also made to co-pending applications GB
1704477.7 and GB 1622050.1 which describe and claim a particular
form of fastening device for attaching to an artwork and apparatus
comprising securing devices for securing the artwork to a mounting
panel via said fastening devices. The present invention relates to
a container in which a subassembly comprising the artwork mounted
on a mounting panel can be housed. The subassembly may be
constructed according to said co-pending applications but the
container can also house other arrangements which comprise a
mounting panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention will now be further described, merely by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0035] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of embodiments of
containers according to the present invention, the first having
sides of similar lengths and the second having sides of different
lengths;
[0036] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the container shown in FIG. 1,
including a mounting panel for mounting therein;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through one side of the
container shown in FIG. 3;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through one side of a
modified form of the container shown in FIG. 3;
[0039] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of part of one of the longer
sides of the container shown in FIG. 2;
[0040] FIG. 7A is an enlarged perspective view of a corner of the
container shown in FIG. 1 or 2 and FIG. 7B a cross-section
therethrough;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers
such as shown in FIG. 1 when stacked together;
[0042] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict an arrangement of a latch that may be
used to secure the lid part in a closed position;
[0043] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a cross-section of an edge
region of a mounting panel including an optional displacement
controller;
[0044] FIG. 12 depicts the arrangement of FIG. 9 under an impact
load; and
[0045] FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of an arrangement of a
displacement controller for use in conjunction with a corner
part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] The apparatus described herein is designed to hold an
artwork during transportation and storage. The artwork typically
has a frame to which a plurality of fastening devices have been
secured. The fastening devices are then secured to a mounting panel
and the container described herein is designed to house an artwork
mounted on a mounting panel. In the present application the
mounting panel is in the form of a metal plate with a series of
parallel slots in an upper surface thereof. Such a plate is
conveniently formed by an extrusion process from aluminium. However
other forms of mounting panel may be used.
[0047] FIGS. 1 and 3 show a container comprising four side parts
10, 11, 12, 13 and four corner parts 14, 15, 16, 17 for connecting
the side parts (by means of fasteners--not shown) to form a
substantially rectangular frame. In an alternative arrangement,
each of the corner parts 14, 15, 16, 17 may be integrally formed
with one of the side parts 10, 11, 12, 13 and arranged to be
connected to an adjacent side part 10, 11, 12, 13. For example,
each side part 10, 11, 12, 13 may be formed with an integral corner
part 14, 15, 16, 17. In another arrangement, two of the side parts
may be formed with a corner part at each end and the other two
parts may be configured to be connected to the corner parts.
Forming the substantially rectangular frame from side parts with
integrally formed corner parts may beneficially reduce the cost of
manufacturing the components for the container, may reduce the time
and/or cost of assembling the container and/or may improve the
rigidity of the container.
[0048] The container also comprises a substantially rectangular lid
part 18 and a substantially rectangular mounting panel 19. Each of
the side parts has a first recess 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A extending
along its length for receiving a respective edge of the lid part 18
and a second recess, in the form of a groove 10B, 11B, 12B, 13B,
extending along its length for receiving a respective edge of the
mounting panel 19. As shown in FIG. 5, a first resilient member 20
is located around the perimeter of the lid part 18 between the lid
part and the substantially rectangular frame, the first resilient
member 20 being located in the first recess 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A and
providing a seal between the lid part 18 and the frame.
[0049] A second resilient member 21 is located around the perimeter
of the mounting panel 19 between the mounting panel 19 and the
substantially rectangular frame, the second resilient member 21 is
located in the second recess or groove 10B, 11B, 12B, 13B and acts
as a shock absorber between the mounting panel and the
substantially rectangular frame. The second resilient member 21 is
adapted to permit movement of the mounting panel 19 relative to the
substantially rectangular frame in three dimensions so as to
substantially isolate the mounting panel 19 from shock forces
experienced by the container.
[0050] Securing means in the form of latches 22 are provided for
securing at the lid part 18 in a closed position relative to the
substantially rectangular frame. The latches 22 are mounted on one
or more of the side parts 10, 11, 12, 13 and engage the major,
external face 18A of the lid part 18. Preferably, at least eight
latches 22 are provided, two on each side part.
[0051] In order to house an artwork in the container shown, the
container is constructed by selecting a mounting panel of the
desired size, fitting the second resilient member onto the
periphery of the mounting panel and then assembling side parts of
the appropriate lengths and corner parts onto the edges of the
mounting panel with the second sealing member fitted into the
second recesses of the side parts. The corner parts are then
fastened to the side parts with bolts or other fasteners. The lid
part can then be placed in the first recess (the upper side of
which is open) and secured in place by the latches (the latches
being pre-fitted to the side parts). In other arrangements (not
shown), the lid part may be hinged to one of the side parts.
Assembly of embodiments having a separate base part is similar
except that the side parts and corner parts are assembled onto the
edges of both the mounting panel and the base part, with the base
part (and the third resilient member mounted thereon) being located
in the third recesses of the side parts.
[0052] In a typical arrangement, the side parts may be formed from
a plastic material, eg they may be blow moulded from a plastics
material such as high-density polyethylene. Such side parts will
thus be of generally hollow construction. In order to help stiffen
the side parts, recesses 10F and 10G are formed in opposite side
thereof (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) to narrow the cross-section of
a central portion of the side part. The corner parts may be formed
of metal, eg by as aluminium castings. The lid part may comprise a
composite panel and the mounting panel may comprise a metal plate
mounted on a composite panel. The corner parts may also be provided
with rubber `overmould` parts, eg as shown at 14A and 16A in FIG.
3, to give the corner parts impact resistance and provide them with
a non-slip surface.
[0053] The first resilient member serves to provide an air-tight
seal between the lid part and the frame formed by the four side
parts and is preferably compressible by the lid part when the
latches are holding the lid part in the closed position. The first
resilient member may be a silicone moulding with a hollow portion
to provide compressibility but a wide variety of other forms of
resilient sealing means may be used.
[0054] As mentioned above the primary function of the second
resilient member is to insulate the mounting panel from shock
forces experienced by the container. It therefore is of larger
dimensions than the first resilient member and may be formed of a
softer material, eg a softer silicone moulding or a foamed silicone
(although again a wide variety of other forms of resilient means
could be used to provide these functions).
[0055] In arrangements, the second resilient member may provide a
thickness of resilient material between the mounting panel and the
wall of the groove in which it is located in the range 5-40 mm. For
an arrangement such as that depicted in FIG. 5 it may typically be
in the range 10-20 mm (both above and below and to the edge of the
mounting panel). In an arrangement such as that depicted in FIGS.
11 to 13 discussed below, the thickness of resilient material
between the mounting panel and the wall of the groove in which it
is located may be in the range 20 to 40 mm. Preferably the second
resilient member is adapted to permit movement of the mounting
panel of at least 5 mm and preferably 10, 15 or 20 mm in three
dimensions relative to the rectangular frame of the container. Such
movement may comprise at least 50% of the thickness of the
resilient material and maybe 75% or more of the thickness of the
resilient material.
[0056] As mentioned, an artwork is mounted on the mounting panel by
means of fastening devices (not shown). This may significantly
increase the weight of the art work and hence its inertia. The
mounting panel is then, in effect, suspended in the container by
its location within the second resilient member which acts as a
shock absorber to isolate the mounting panel (and hence the
artwork) from shock forces experienced by the container. Thus,
while the sub-assembly comprising the artwork and the mounting
panel is relatively rigid and the rectangular frame formed by the
side parts and corner parts is substantially rigid, there is no
rigid connection between the mounting panel and the rectangular
frame. Such an arrangement is thus effective in protecting the
artwork from shock forces, eg whilst the container is in transit or
should the container be stood on a side part and then fall
over.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting panel 19 comprises a metal
plate 19A secured to a composite panel 19B, the perimeter of which
is located in the second resilient member 21. The mounting panel is
provided with a plurality of retention members to which fastening
devices mounted on the frame of an artwork (not shown) can be
secured. In the arrangement shown, the retention members comprise
an array of parallel slots (or apertures) 19C in the plate 19A with
flanges 19D either side of each slot. In a preferred arrangement,
the plate has a substantially uniform cross-section throughout its
length so it can be formed by an extrusion process, eg from
aluminium. Such retention members have the advantage that artworks
of a variety of sizes or shapes can be secured in any selected
position on the mounting panel spaced from the side parts of the
container.
[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the container is also
provided with a base part 2 and each of the side parts has a third
recess or groove 10C, 11C, 12C, 13C extending along its length for
receiving a respective edge of the base part 25, and a third
resilient member 26 is located around the perimeter of the base
part 25 between the base part 25 and the substantially rectangular
frame. The base part 25 helps protect the mounting panel 19 (and
the artwork mounted thereon) from direct impact from beneath the
mounting panel. The mounting panel (and an artwork thereon) is thus
protected from impact on any part of the exterior of the container,
the second resilient member isolating it from all shock forces
applied to the lid parts side parts or base part of the container.
The base part is also preferably formed of a composite panel (which
is resistant to impact or piercing). The composite panels of the
lid part, mounting panel and base part may typically have a
thickness of around 10-15 mm.
[0059] The third resilient member also serves to provide an
air-tight seal between the base part and the frame formed by the
four side parts. The third resilient member may be a silicone
moulding but does not need to be substantially compressible like
the first resilient member. Again, a wide variety of other forms of
resilient sealing means may be used.
[0060] In a modified version (not shown) of the arrangement shown
in FIG. 4, the composite panel 19B may be omitted so the mounting
panel 19 comprises just the metal panel 19A, the perimeter of which
is located in the second resilient member 21.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section similar to that of FIG. 4 of
another embodiment in which the base plate 25 is omitted. In this
case, the mounting panel 19 also forms the base part of the
container and the mounting panel preferably comprises a metal plate
19A and composite panel 19B as shown. In this case, the second
resilient member 21 also needs to provide an air-tight seal as well
as cushioning the mounting panel.
[0062] FIG. 2 shows a container similar to that of FIG. 1 except
that it is longer than it is wide. Such a container may be formed
in the same manner as described above (and illustrated in FIG. 3)
except that two longer side parts are used. One way of providing
longer side parts is to connect two shorter side parts 10 by a
joining part 30 as illustrated in FIG. 6, the two side parts being
secured to the joining part by fasteners, eg similar to those used
to join the corner parts to the side parts. If the shorter side
pars have a length L, it is thus possible to construct containers
having dimensions L.times.L (FIG. 1), 2L.times.L (FIG. 2) and
2L.times.2L (not shown).
[0063] As best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the side parts 10, 11, 12,
13 are preferably provided with recesses 10E, 11E, 12E, 13E towards
the ends thereof near where they connect with the corner parts,
these recesses providing handles accessible by a user's fingers to
assist in lifting the container. These recesses are preferably used
in conjunction with further recesses 14B, 15B, 16B, 17B provided in
the corner parts 14, 15, 16, 17. The recesses 13E, 16B in a side
part 13 and the corner part 16 connected thereto enable the user to
grasp the container. Other forms of recess and/or handles may be
provided to on the side parts and/or the corner parts to facilitate
handling of the container.
[0064] The latches 22 can be of other forms. However, in an
arrangement, such as that shown in FIGS. 3, 7A, 9 and 10, they may
comprise a mounting part 22A which is mounted on one of the side
parts and a substantially L-shaped pivoting part 22B one arm of
which is pivotally connected to the mounting part and the other arm
of which is arranged to swing over and lie adjacent the outwardly
facing major surface of the lid part. This arrangement has the
advantage of being very simple as it only requires a component
attached to the side part of the container, the lid part being
retained in the closed position merely by locating the pivoting
part adjacent the surface of the lid part. The latches 22 may be
held in the closed position by an over-centre arrangement and/or
may be lockable in the closed position.
[0065] For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the mounting part
22A of the latch 22 may include a loop 22C that passes through an
opening in the pivoting part 22B. The mounting part 22A and the
pivoting part 22B may be configured such that a component inserted
in the loop 22C would prevent the pivoting part 22B from pivoting
relative to the mounting part 22B, which is necessary to release
the latch 22. One or more latches 22 may be secured by passing
through the loop a tamper-proof seal, a lock such as a padlock or a
cable tie. Multiple latches 22 may be secured by passing a wire,
cable, cord or tape through the loops 22C of each of the latches 22
and then securing the ends of the wire, cable, cord or tape with a
tamper-proof seal, a lock such as a padlock or a cable tie.
[0066] The side parts of the container are also preferably shaped
to provide channels 10D, 11D, 12D, 13D for receiving straps (see
FIG. 8) encircling the container. Preferably at least one strap
passes around the length of the container and at least one strap
passes around the width of the container or, as shown in FIG. 8, a
strap may pass around a stack of containers to help hold them
together. As shown in the Figures, at least some of the latches 22
are located in one of these channel so that when a strap is
positioned in a channel it lies over the latch 22 and thus provides
a further level of security in keeping the latches in the closed
position and protecting the latches from being tampered with.
[0067] The side parts of the container are also preferably shaped
so that a plurality of similar size containers can be stacked
together, ie with the lid and base parts thereof lying parallel to
each other as shown in FIG. 8. The stack of containers can be
secured together by straps 27 located in the channels described
above. Alternatively, or additionally, the side parts and/or the
corner parts may be shaped so that adjacent containers in a stack
of containers interlock with each other, eg by means of push-fit
projections and recesses (not shown). At least some of the corner
parts are also preferably shaped, or have extension parts 28 fitted
thereto which act as feet on which the stack can stand and provide
a channel 29 beneath the stack of containers for receiving the
prongs of a lifting machine such as a fork lift truck.
[0068] FIG. 11 depicts a detail of an optional arrangement of the
engagement of the mounting panel 19 to the second resilient member
21. As shown, in this arrangement, a displacement controller 30 may
be mounted between an edge of the mounting panel 19 and the second
resilient member 21.
[0069] The displacement controller 30 may have a section 30A that
is mounted to a region 19E of the mounting panel 19 adjacent its
edge. In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 11, first section 30A of
the displacement controller 30 mounted to the edge of the mounting
panel 19 has a U-shape in cross-section such that it surrounds the
edge of the mounting panel 19. Other arrangements may also be used
in which the displacement controller 30 is mounted to and abuts a
portion of the edge of the mounting plate 19.
[0070] The displacement controller 30 includes at least one
protrusion 30B that protrudes away from a major face of the
mounting panel 19. In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 11, the
displacement controller 30 includes protrusions 30B that protrudes
away from both major faces of the mounting panel 19, namely has two
protrusions 30B extending in opposite directions from opposite
sides of the mounting panel 19.
[0071] The protrusions 30B of the displacement controller 30 may be
configured such that, when the displacement controller 30 is
engaged with the edge region 19E of the mounting panel 19 and
connected to the second resilient member 21, the protrusions 30B of
the displacement controller 30 do not contact the second resilient
member 21. In particular, as shown in FIG. 11, when the second
resilient member 21 is uncompressed or only compressed a small
amount, there may be a separation between the second section 30B of
the displacement controller and the second resilient member 21.
[0072] In such an arrangement, the second resilient member 21 may
be compressed by movement of the mounting panel 19 towards the
second resilient member 21. After an initial compression of the
second resilient member 21, the protrusions 30B of the displacement
controller 30 contact the surface of the second resilient member
21. In such an arrangement, the resistance to compression provided
by the second resilient member 21 may be significantly greater when
the protrusions 30B of the displacement controller contact and
compress the second resilient member 21 than when there is a
separation between the protrusions 30B of the displacement
controller 30 and the second resilient member 21. In the latter
situation only the edge of the mounting panel 19 may be compressing
the second resilient member 21.
[0073] Such an arrangement may enable the container to function in
a desirable manner under two different sets of conditions. Under
normal conditions, the container may not be subject to large
external forces but may, particularly during transit, be subject to
vibrations. Under these conditions, the second resilient member 21
may not be sufficiently compressed that the protrusions 30B of the
displacement controller 30 engage with the second resilient member
21. The stiffness of the connection between the mounting panel 19
and the side part 10 is therefore relatively low, reducing the
level of vibration that is transmitted from the side part 10 to the
mounting panel 19 and therefore to the artwork.
[0074] However, in the event of a larger impact to the container,
such as a drop impact, the protrusions 30B engage with the second
resilient member 21, increasing the stiffness of the connection
between side part 10 and the mounting panel 19. Increasing the
stiffness of the connection under higher loads increases the
maximum impact force that may impact the side part 10 without the
second resilient member 21 becoming so compressed that it cannot be
compressed further. Beyond that limit, the impact on the container
is transmitted to the mounting panel 19 and therefore to the
artwork.
[0075] In an arrangement, the displacement controller 30 may be
mounted only to the bottom edge of the mounting panel 19. This may
be the edge for which it is most beneficial because it may only be
the bottom edge that is subject to relatively large impact loads,
for example if the container is dropped.
[0076] In an alternative arrangement, a displacement controller 30
may also be mounted to the top edge of the mounting panel 19. Such
an arrangement may be beneficial, for example to reduce potential
problems caused by a resonant response of the connection between
the mounting panel 19 and the side parts 10, 11, 12, 13. In
particular, if the container is subject to vibrations at, or close
to, the resonant frequency of the connection of the side parts 10,
11, 12, 13 to the mounting panel 19 by way of the second resilient
member 21, an amplified response to the input vibration could
result in the second resilient member 21 reaching the limit
discussed above in relation to impact loading, resulting in loading
being transmitted to the artwork. In an arrangement having a
displacement controller 30 provided on the top and bottom edges,
the amplified response of the input vibration will result in the
protrusions 30B of the displacement controller 30 contacting the
second resilient member 21, increasing the stiffness of the
connection and damping the vibration of the mounting panel 19 and
any artwork mounted thereon.
[0077] It should be appreciated, however, that in other
arrangements, further displacement controllers 30 may be provided.
For example, a displacement controller 30 may be provided to each
of the sides of the mounting panel 19. This may permit the
container to be used in any orientation.
[0078] Alternatively or additionally, as depicted in FIG. 13, in an
arrangement a displacement controller 35 may be provided at one or
more of the corners of the mounting panel 19. Such a corner mounted
displacement controller may be provided between a corner of the
mounting panel 19 and the second resilient member 21 at the point
at which the second resilient member 21 is provided within a corner
part 14, 15, 16, 17 of the container. The corner mounted
displacement controllers may be beneficial for protecting against
drop impacts in a similar manner to that described above but in
which the container is dropped on one of its corners rather than on
one of the side parts 10, 11, 12, 13.
[0079] In an arrangement, a displacement controller 30 provided
along one edge of the mounting panel 19 may be formed from an
extrusion made from, for example, aluminium or a rigid plastic. As
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, its cross-section may be in the form of a
U-shaped section 30A that engages with the edge region 19E of the
mounting panel 19 and protrusions 30B that extend away from the
major faces of the mounting panel 19. Such an arrangement may be
convenient to form and may be convenient to include in the process
for assembling the container. It will be appreciated, however, that
alternative arrangements may be provided, including arrangements in
which one or more protrusions 30B are mounted directly to a major
face of the mounting plate 19 and/or in which the mounting plate 19
is formed with integral protrusions. In general, at least the
protrusions 30B of the displacement controller may have a higher
stiffness than the second resilient member 21.
[0080] As discussed above, an arrangement including a displacement
controller 30 may enable the container to perform well under
multiple loading conditions. This may be facilitated by enabling
tuning of the responses of the container to the different loading
conditions.
[0081] Tuning the responses of the container to different loading
conditions may be achieved, for example, by selection of the size
of the protrusions 30B relative to the width of the channel 10B
within which second resilient member 21 is mounted. Alternatively
or additionally, tuning of the responses may be achieved by
selection of the initial separation between the protrusions 30B and
the surface of the second resilient member 21 in an unloaded state.
Alternatively or additionally, tuning of the responses may be
achieved by selection of the length of the displacement controller
30 relative to the length of the side part 10, 11, 12, 13 to which
it is mounted. In particular, the displacement controller 30 may be
shorter than the side part 10, 11, 12, 13 with which it is
associated and/or plural relatively short displacement controllers
30 may be provided for one side member. Alternatively or
additionally, tuning of the responses may be achieved by selecting
the stiffness of the displacement controller 30.
[0082] In an arrangement, a range of displacement controllers 30
may be provided, varying by one or more of the factors discussed
above. When a container is assembled, one or more of these
displacement controllers 30 may be selected and provided between
the second resilient member 21 and an edge of the mounting plate 19
to provide a desired performance. For example, the selection may be
based on the weight of the artwork, or combined weight of artworks,
to be mounted to the mounting panel. For artwork of a greater mass,
it may be desirable for the transition from a low stiffness
connection to a relatively high stiffness connection to occur at a
lower impact force and/or it may be desirable for the stiffness
after the transition to be greater.
[0083] It will be appreciated that the container described above
may be provided as a kit of parts for constructing containers of a
variety of different sizes by provided side parts of different
lengths and/or connector parts for joining two side parts together
end to end. The side parts may be provided in a small number of
lengths which have been selected so that containers can be
constructed of sizes suitable for accommodating the majority of
artworks.
[0084] Once a container has been constructed it can be re-used to
transport other artwork of a size that can fit on the mounting
plate. In some embodiments, the container may also be designed so
that is can be dis-assembled, by separating the corner parts and
side parts so another container of a different size can be
constructed.
[0085] For the avoidance of doubt, the verb "comprise" as used
herein has its normal dictionary meaning, ie to denote
non-exclusive inclusion. The use of the word "comprise" (or any of
its derivatives) does not therefore exclude the possibility of
further features being included.
[0086] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including the accompanying claims, and drawings) may also be
combined in any combination (other than combinations where the
features are mutually exclusive).
[0087] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the
accompanying claims and drawings) may be replaced by alternative
features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless
expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated
otherwise, each feature disclosed is just an example of a generic
series of features providing an equivalent or similar function.
[0088] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
embodiments described. The invention extends to a container and/or
closure which comprises one or more of the features referred to
above, or any other novel concept, feature, or combination of the
features disclosed herein.
* * * * *